IT was “Hip Hip Hooray” for Canberra’s venerable Artists’ Society of Canberra as it celebrated its 85th birthday in Albert Hall on Sunday.
It was also the last day of the society’s annual spring exhibition and sales were hot, with paintings being carried off the wall before our eyes by eager purchasers, some of whom had arrived with tape measures to work out whether the paintings would fit on their walls.
Even University of Canberra art curator, Peter Haynes, one of the judges, was spotted making a purchase.
One such hot acquisition was the pastel that had won best in show, the work of immediate past president Tim Hardy, who could hardly believe his good fortune.
As Hardy guided “CityNews” through the exhibition’s popular “Fabulous Fakes” section, he explained that for 2013, the Old Masters to be emulated in art would featureCanberrapersonalities as the subjects.
New president, Tricia Wheatstone, was on hand to give directions around the impressive collection of over 400 works on show this year, but pointed out that this was usual for the society.
Meantime, to the accompaniment of classical guitar played by Alekxei Shaw from the Canberra School of Music, the society’s most loyal members were sipping champagne and drinking tea while waiting for the cutting of the birthday cake and reminiscences about the good old days from ASOC’s History Project group.
Some, like Isla Patterson (who had six entries in the show) and Nell Anderson, were leafing through old photo albums and others, like 50-year-long member Trisha Bridges (who had five entries) were admiring the historical pictures on the wall.
It was, all agreed, a great way to celebrate, just like a family birthday party.
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